Iron Maiden performing live at the Scandinavian heavy metal festival Copenhell in Copenhagen on November 6th, 2014..

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Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson suffered “considerable pain and discomfort” from the chemotherapy and radiology to treat a small tumor on the back of his tongue, but the singer remains optimistic for a full recovery, according to a note from the band’s manager Rod Smallwood.

As Smallwood points out, radiology is cumulative, collecting in the body where it stays for about three weeks after treatment ends. Dickinson finished his seven-week course in mid-February, and while the pain and discomfort are still there, they will continue to alleviate over the next few months.

Once the swelling and pain have disappeared, Dickinson will be able to take an MRI scan, which will officially determine whether the cancer is gone. “However, prognosis continues to be extremely good and everyone is optimistic for a full recovery,” Smallwood wrote. “Following the scan, we will officially update you on this website at the appropriate time, probably in late May.”

While it will take a few more months after that for Dickinson to be fit enough to play with Iron Maiden, Smallwood said the band remains completely supportive and will base their future plans on his progress.

Smallwood also passed along Dickinson’s thanks and appreciation for the “tremendous support and kind wishes. He has been extremely touched and encouraged by the genuine and affectionate response from our global family of Maiden fans.”

Prior to his diagnosis, Dickinson — when he wasn’t touring with Iron Maiden — was indulging his passion for flying and daredevilry. Last year, the rocker flew a 100-year-old plane during a reenactment of a World War I dogfight and invested a reported $450,000 in the “world’s longest aircraft,” the Hybrid Air Vehicle, which he hopes to one day fly around the world.